Four days after closing the 2008 Beijing Games in triumph, China lit the 2008 Paralympic torch amid pomp and ceremony at Beijing's ancient Temple of Heaven, marking the start of a domestic relay for the Sept. 6 Games. Reuters said The flame was passed to Beijing Olympic chief Liu Qi by wheelchair-bound Jin Jing, a 27-year-old amputee and Paralympic fencer. "The two Games equal splendour," said Liu, president of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, in a speech. Liu passed the torch to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who lit a cauldron and announced the commencement of the relay, sparking a a bombastic display of traditional Chinese dance by disabled artists. "This flame will symbolise over the next 10 days the unique sporting spirit portrayed by Paralympic athletes. This spirit overcomes many obstacles in the pursuit of sporting excellence," said International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven. The Paralympic Games will be held in Beijing from Sept. 6-17.
